Vehicle top



Sept. 7 1926. 1,599,082

\ l `c. :.E|:n3Y

VEHICLE TQP Filed May 17. 1925 A 6 Sheets-Sheet l u if! INVENTQR Sept. 7 1926. Y 1,599,082

c. c. EDDY VEHICLE TOP Filed May 17. 1923 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 {NVENTOR Sept. 7 192e.

c.' c. EDDY VEHICLE TOP Filed lMay' 17. 1923 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 vINVENTCBF ATTO N' Sept. 7 ,1926. 1,599,082

c. c. EDDY VEHICLE TOP Filed May 17. 1923 e snets-sheet 5 1925 6 heats-sheet' e C. C. EDDY VEHICLE' TOP i Filed May 17.

'Sept- 72119.26,4

VEA/T01? 77- rae/vs Ys so as well as undue. lateral swaying of l the Same taken in section.

Patented sepi. 7,1926.,Y y' i v1,;59'9`l3-7- 'UNITED vs'rarasraisia'r orner-3.

CHARLES C. "EDDY, GF CORTLAND, NEW YORK, ASSIGNOR '2O THE BREWER-TILTCHENER CORPORATION, OF COR'ILAND, NEW YORK, A' CORPORATION OF NEWy YORK. y

y VEHICLE Tor.

Application mea May 17, 192s. serial No. 639,541.

This invention pertains to a new and im.- provided with a strip or ,strips of sheet 55 proved vehicle top particularly designed `for metal bent into proper tubular form yhaving use in connection with,automobiles-altho it a wood filler, the longitudinal edges lof the may be used in various other associations.r metal strip or strips being spaced apart to The main objects of the invention resides form a longitudinal slot or opening between in the production ofa comparatively light said edges of suitable width to constitute a 60 but strong and Afirm structure ofv what may longitudinal tacking surface for securement be generally called a permanent non-collap-` of a covering material to the wood filler, sible top that can ,if desired be manufactured Y which filler is sheathed by the incomplete 10 andv shipped in sections, and is readily. and tube of metal. f

easily `'assembled toV form a completed top Detailed objects relate to the particular structure, and in which the rails or arms asemblage and association of the side rails constituting portions of the structure are and cross bows together with the bow ysupsulliciently flexible to be made to coliform to ports ltherefor and Athe particular methods 15 the contour or lines of any body on which of reinforcing the structure at desired points,

the top structure is assembled. and of connecting the sectional parts togeth- 7 0r In a permanent top of the typeto which er, and in a specilic instance to the particuthe present invention, relates, lightness of lar Construction and assemblage of a novel structure constitutes an essential requiremetal encased wood bow structure capable 2o ment. Such tops are found to give most satof use as a portion of this invention. f

isfactory service whenthe frame structure Y Other objects and advantages relate to 75 is not made too rigid and is given a limited the details of form, construction and arinherent iiexibilty wherebytoprovidefor rangement' of the parts, all as rwill more the necessary shock-absorbing capacity to fully appear from the followingdescription, 'p taire up the road jolts. The novel arrangetaken .in connection with the accompanying inentof frame partsdisclos'ed herein comdrawings, `in whicli'z f SO bines thenecessary strength with stability F lgure l is a top plan view of One-half of yof structure for this purpose, and thus 1na tOp Structure of m invention,

sures against loosening of the frame joints Figure 2 is an e evational view of the frame with respect to its body mounting. lFigure 3 is a section on line 3-3, showing S5 In the went that these effgts are not details yof the stake pocket forattaching the properly provided against, the Vframe coverleg of the cross-bow to the side rails.V ing material would not remain tautly "Figure 4 is a, section on line e-4, Figure 35 stretched in place after an extended period l, SllvOWIlg the Side-rail and itsv fastening 'to of service and the resulting slackening of the Outrigger bow. f 9o the back curtain fabric would allowof whip- Figure 5 is a section on line 5-5, Figping on part of the rear; curtain light ure 1, illustratingconstructive details of the frame. As a consequence a disagreeable Sid@ Fdl-y i i y to rumbling noise islilre'ly to be setup within Figure 6 is a section on line 6 6. Figure the top enclosure, besides-greatly -depreciatl, Showing another View of the stake pocket J5 ing the appearance and usefulllife of the top detail. Y struct-ure. The present invention aims to Figure 7 is` a section on line 7-7, Figovercome these Vdefects and provide :tor iinure 2.

45 proved means to meet this Yneed.V` g Figur-e 8 Vis'aV section on line 8 8, Fig- Y VFurtherthe invention has for anl object rure 2.' Y. I n 100 the production of anew form of top construe- Figure 9 illustrates kthe connection of the tion provided withiimproved side rails havpivot iron'bracket to the main arm or standing cross rails andv a main support and outard. f

' e0 rigger thereof V'which possesses novel con; Figure 10 illustrates portion of two of struction featuresapplicable to either a colthe sections of the side rail support. 05 lapsible top or a permanent top..v All 'of Figure 11 illustrates themethodof formthese arepreferably madeof-substan; ing a substantially flator full clear Vision tially uniformrectangular shape, and are top with the structurerof my invention.

CIJ

Figure 12 illustrates a novel form of cross bow and its assemblage with a supporting side rail structure.

Figure 13 is a view similar to Figure 12 of a slightly modified form of cross bow.

Figure 14 is a side elevation of the side rail and bow-supporting bracket and bow of Figure 12 and also illustrating a modified type of clip attachment between the cross bow legs and the side rail.

Figure 15 is a section on Figure 12.

Figure 1G is a section on line *16*16*, Figure 12.

Figure 17 illustrates the bracket plate for securing the upper end of the main bow to the side rail structure.

Figure 1S illustrates a similar form of top structure in which the side rails are each formed continuous or of integral strips.

Figure 19 is a section on line *19*19*, Figure 1S.

Figure 2O is a section Figure 18.

Figure 21 illustrates a modified-method of securing together the abutting` ends of the separate sectional side railsof Figures 1 and 2.

Figure is a cross section on line 22*22, F igur-e 21.

Figure 28V is a further modified forni of the connecting means for the separate sections of Illigures 1 and 2.

Figure 2-1- is a section on line 2li-724i, Figure 23.

Figure 25 illustrates a further modified form of connecting means for the separate sections of the structures of Figures 1 and 2.

Figure 26 is a section on line 26*26, Figure 25.

The structure of top here shown as an illustrative embodiment of my invention comprises a main bow support or arm *1* having a pivot iron at its lower end for seeurement to a vehicle body (not shown). This bow support *1* carries at its upper end portion a bowfrec-eiving socket *3* .in the form of an incomplete tube, and may be produced by bending a strip of said metal of proper size and form into an incomplete tube of desired shape, as for instance, substantially square or somewhat rectangular, as shown in` Figure 8, with its edges 8a and 3b spaced apart to form a slot or opening along one side or" the line 15-15,

on line 20*20,

Vtube to produce a slightly resilient socket or receiver adapted to accommodate any rea sonable limits of tolerance in the size and shape of the end of the bow to be inserted within said socket.

As is best shown in Figures 2 and 17. a bifurcated bracket plate *4* has one *5* resting in contact with and secured to the upper end of the bow support *1* and the resilient socket *3* is secured to this bracket *4* above the end of the bow *1* and with the open slot of the socket set away from the bracket. The rear section *6* of a sectional side rail has its rear end connected to the other leg *7* of the bracket *el*. Preferably, as shown, this connection is made by means of a rivet *8* about which the section may swivel and aA bolt *9* capable of being removed to permit such pivotal movement when it is desired to collapse this port-ion of the structure, as for instance for the purpose of coinpactly stacking the side rails in transport or storage. in that event, the detachable bolt *9* is removed and the free end of the main arm *1* may then be swung freely about the rivet 8 and made to lie alongside of the side rail axis.

The rivet *S* and the bolt both extend through the section *G* and through openings 7 and 7l) respectively in the arm *7* of the bracket *l*. For

the purpose of reinforcing this connection, the section *6* at these points where the rivet and the bolt pass through it, is provided. as shown in Figure 7, with a strip of sheet metal *10* bentcompletely around the section *G* to form a sleeve and having one end overlapping the opposite end preferably an amount equal to the complete width of one side of the section *6*, and preferably this overlapping relation is had upon the side of the section *6* that is formed with the tacking slot or opening to be hereinafter further described.

It will be apparent that the Outrigger section *2T* of my permanent top structure is intended to be supported in the usual inanner by the windshield stanchions or side arms (not shown). The forward ends of' the respective side rails are intended to rest upon said stanchions while the rearward ends of said rails are respectively fastened to the pair of main arms *1*. It is pointed out that the improved bracket plate *fl* serves to lock the arm *1* in any predetermined angular relation with respect to the side rail whenever the bolt *9* is inserted in place. Proper longitudinal rigidity against lateral displacement with respect to the vehicle body is therefore imparted to the top structure by said locked bracket platesand this is supplemented by the lateral bracing` of the windshield stanchions. These parts constitute a relatively stili' and well braced structural unit which is well adapted to take up the inertia thrusts or reactions upon the top parts that may be due to road jolts or other causes.

As stated, the side rail or member of the 'top struct-ure is formed in sections, in this instance three separate sections *G*, *11* and *12* which are fastened together endlwise by suitable sleeve means. Preferably these Ysections are of substantially the same form and construction andtheir size may be the same, or may varyvin accordance with the size of the top desired, and the number of sections of whichitiis'desired to form aA complete side rail. These sections are connected together and held 'in alignment by havingl aportion of one, which expression is deemed to include portion rigidly connected to one, telescoped with the other-"section. In this illustration, the telescopic arrangement is internal. p f

Each of the `sections k-46-4, -11`-` and l2- jas well as the niain arm -lare formed in the same mannerV and are preferably of the same size, altho the main arm may differ in cross section shouldv that be desired, for obtaining additional strength. Each of these sections and the main arm are formed of astrip orl strips of sheet metal bent about the wood inserts such as 13 into the form of a slotted sleeve or tubular structure -15- preferably of substantially rectangular cross section, and having theedges of the strip spaced apart so that the tube is incomplete and thewoodfiller --13-y isl eX- posed through the opening or slot between the spaced edges, as perhaps best shown in Figure -10- to forni a Atacking surface. into which tacks may be driven through the slot or .opening without` having to pierce the metal casing in order 'to' secure the fabric or other covering for the top structure to the Ywooden insert --l3-'.

In the manufacture of the described side rail and similar sections, the tube sheets are preferably bentV into a U orv channel shape, ,whereupon the wood filler isfplaced into the bottom off'said channel recess. The relativ-ely long channel legs are intended to project beyond the filler somewhat so asfto allow of being crimped over the-filler edges and snugly encase the same in a manner that provides for a lengthwise tacking slot between the inner edges of said crimped legs.

The specific4 means. for connecting the separate metal encased woodenV sections -G, V-11-- and -12 as illustrated and hereinbefore described, is eifecte'dby means of an incomplete metallic tube'-'-14", of`

the` same shape inV cross section `as ther metallic sleeves --l5-. This tube -lLl-f 1s Vinserted within one end of one of the sleeves l5- with its slot or opening toward'the opposite side from thattoward which the slot in the railr tube -15- opens, and the. end of the wooden insert -13- is reduced asbest shown at v16, 'Figur-e 10, a sutlicient amount to receive.the'connecting meinbe'r `14g between itrandjthe enclosing incomplete tube .-15-- The tube #lll-s Vmay i be secured to one ofthesections 415; during manufacture as by spot .welding or the like, and when insertedwithin the end oi fthe adjacent Vrail. so that the ends of the wooden inserts of thetwo rails,

'as for insecured in any suitable manner to the other rail section if'that is desired. The end et. the rail section into which thev member 141- is to be insert-ed as the rail l1, in

`Figure 5, is reinforced and strengthened by a strapV-tO- extending across the side having the locking slot and secured to the opposite edges of the incomplete tube '-15- in any suitable manner, as by spot welding to forma solid tube. This method of connecting the sections is utilized throughout the structure; The rear boutt -17- has its end inserted in'l the bow-receiving socket -3- and provision is made for receiving and retaining the remaining bows `l8-, -19- and E20- in the form ofV sockets or stake pockets on thev side rails, and a `description of one of these sockets will serve asa de'- scription of all.

A substantially U-shaped clip orl stake pocket-Qlis utilized as perhaps best illustrated in Figure 3 and provided with flanges -22- and M23- extending in opposite directions from the ends of the U- shaped clip, such flanges being secured in any suitable manner tothe desired portion of one of the sideV rails, as by `means of boltsl or rivets -.-2-t-. In the particular illustration of Figure 3, it lhappens that these bolts -24- extend through the side rail 1lat the place where the reinforcing tube 14tis positioned within the section #l1- For that reason the bolts 24- serve to secure the connecting member I4- lto the section lland no yadditional secureinent is required, but in the use of other connecting members 5M- where the bracket-ZI-pwhich forms the bow-re` ceiving socket is not positioned at the. point of` connection of two sections, other securement as for instance spot welding,`may be preferably utilized. In Figure G the method of assembling a bow, as the bow QG- with a side rail as the section k--6-- thereo'l, is illustrated in that the lower end ofthe portion -25-- adapted to nt within the vstake pocket -214- and a second shouldered portion --26 which extends across the section -6-" and rests `thereon so Las to form a vertical support for Vthe bowV while the section -eb-V and the stake pocket 421--y 1ers bow --2O'--V is reduced so as to form a male with the additional feature that these resilient sockets are formed with an integral flange -2Slperhaps best shown in Figure 4rwhich extends yalong the side oit the sect-ion -12-, and is secured thereto in any suitable manner as by rivets or the like as indicated in Figure 2.

rlhis construction ot top may be formed of comparatively light and small side rails which can be shipped in sections and later easily assembled te conform to any desired shape et vehicle body with the further advantage ot' the provision ot a tackling space for Seoul-ement oi: the top fabric to the wooden insert, and thereby obviates many disadvantages ot present top constructions.

In Figure 11 a construction is shown which permits the production of a full clear vision top using sharply bent cross bows that is not materially raised above the side rails formed ot' the sections -6 11"- and l2- Instead ot using the stake pocket 21-, the side rails are equipped with bow-receiving sockets which may preterably be ilormed like the socket -28-, except that the flange 29H is turned at au angle in this illustration substantially a right angle to the axis oit the socket and tl e flange is secured tlatwise to the rear section h6- or suoli other sections as ni ,f be desired so that the axis of the socket -2S- extends laterally ot the vehicle and adapts it for receiving the ends ot a substantiailj7 straight cross bow 30` which may have its ends -31- shaped, vas :tor instance, along' arcuate lines shown to produce an uninterrupted contour between the side rail -G- and the cross bow. It will be obvious that any particular inclination ot the socket -28 may be had for producing the desired shape ot structure. i 4 In Figures 12, 15 and 16 a novel formed cross bow is illustrated in that it is formed in exactly the same manner as the side rail sections, tor instance, the section -6- oi a strip ot sheet metal bent into the form of an incomplete tube or slotted sleeve and with its edges separated along the outer surface to expose a tacking surface of the enclosed Wooden insert to which the top material may be secured.

n this construction, the lower ends of the cross bow rest iiatwise upon the up per surtace ot' the side rails -t-, -11` or -12 and are secured in that. position by means otA socket which may be identical with the socket -28, exceptI perhaps so far as size is concerned with the flange -29- resting flat-wise against the side of the section -6- and the socket `2S` extending across the upper edge of the section 6 The section -G- and the cross bow -32- may be secured to the Vflange -29 and its socket 28h respectively by ri yvets or otherwise, as desired.

In Figure 1,2 the cross member ot the cross bow is shown, as `termed oi" three sections -33--, -3tand -35- which may be connected together' in any suitable manner, as by sleeves and -3"Z*, the sleeve being telescoped externally with the adjacent abutting end portions ot the sections -34` and and secured toene or more sections in any suitable 1nan ner, as by spot welding or the like, while the Sleeve -3`- is telescoped externally with the sections and and may be secured to one or both in any suitable manner, as by spot welding. ifiltho the connecting` sleeves and -37 are here shown asV externally telescoped with the sections, the internally telescoped connection illustrated in Figure 10 may be utilized in this construction to accomplish the same purpose.l In Figure 13 a moditied torni of bow is shown in that the cross bow *3S* is not formed in sections, but is a continuous integral structure, altho it will be obvious that it is not essential that it should be formed ot a single piece ot material.

ln Figure 18 I have illustrated a sectional top structure ot torni substantially like that shown in Figures 1 and 2, except, lirst that the side rails -39- are not formed in sections, but instead are formed of one continuous rail consisting ot a single strip ot' material oit the same form and construction as the sections -G-, `lland +12- ot' Figure 2. In other words, one incomplete metallic tube is utilized for each ot the longitudinal side rails -39-, and this continuous `unbroken side rail has a lilling ot' wood, as illustrated in connection with Figures 1 and 2. This illustration is given tor the purpose of indicating that the side rail oi' Figure 2 need not be formed ot' sections, but that the sections -6*,-11 and 12- may be incorporated in a single continuous uninterrupted rail which subject matter has been more specilically embodied in my divisional co-pending` application Serial No. 706,025 liled April 12, 1921-.

Furthermore in the structure shown in Figures 1 and 2, the main bow is attached to the rear end oit the side rail,` while in Figure 18, I have illustrated a structure in which the rail --39- which may be either a continuous unbroken rail, as shown, or a sectional rail as indicated in Figure 2, but in either case, said rail 39 may be provided with a portion -tO- extending some distance to the rear oll the connection between the main arm -41- and the side rail -BQ* to torni a partially balanced structure with respect to the support arm 41. The bracket plate --42` for connecting the main arm -Jxlto the side rail -39 is in torm and construction substantially like the bracket plate el oi Figure 17. An additional bracket plate -43- of the same form and construclll) tion as the bracket plate 4, Figure 17 is connected to the rearend of thesection of the extended rail S9- and is provided with a resilient receiving socket liesubstantially like the bow receiving socket -3- for receiving theV rear bow a5- which is in construction substantially like the cross bow 534- or the cross bow #38- shown in Figures 12 and 13. respectively.V The remaining cross bows e46-1 k-tfand -48- are of similar construction, but are connected to the side rail -39- with a modified form of bracket slip 4Q- As indicated in Figure 19, the clip -fl9 is in the form of a fiat strip of metal of Yabout the Width of one of the'cross bows `as -48---,

andy extends vertically and has its lower end secured to thek side rail #3Q- in any suitable manner, and its upper end secured to the cross bow 4S- in any suitable manner with the squared end of the vbow resting in substantial contact with the upper edgeA of the rail -39-` to Vform a rigid construction therewith.`

A slightly modified form of rail receiving socket or channel iron 50- is indicated for connecting the Outrigger bow -51- which may be of the same form and construction as the cross bow'48-y to the free ends of the side rails --39-'-. This channel iron is formed of a strip of metal bent orY otherwise shaped in U-shaped form and adapted to fit over the abutting ends of the rail -39- andthe bow -51-, as best indicated'in Figure 20.

Any means mayI bek `utilized forV securing the Outrigger bow and the side rails -39- to the channel iron 50. Preferably the flanges .f-52- of the 'channel iron are of substantiaily the same width as the Vrail -39- and fit tightly against its opposite `upper and lower sides so as to leave. unobstructed 1he longitudinal slot or opening between the spacededges of the metal casing of the rail -11-, or the rail 39, as the case may be. y r

In Figures .21 and 22, this same form of channel iron -51 is utilized for connecting the sections --6-y and -11- and -11 and #l2- of the side railsy when such rail is formed in sections, the channel -50- being of any suitable length and fitting over the abutting ends of the rails any suitable manner, as by screws illustrated.

InFigures 23 and 24C a two-part connecting means is shown in that, each part comprising a U-shaped metallic section -'-53- of a width suitable toreceive the opposite edges of the rail and` preferably with their opposite legs -fll-lof a length.substantial,w ly equal to the width of the edge -5'5- of the' casing of the railof which thesections -6- and are formed. These VVin the form of flanges 456 which ter minate preferably adjacent the termination of the opposite spaced edges o-f the metallic casing of the section or rail -6-. There is thus formed a rail socket -57- that is in substantially the same form asA the metallic casing of the rail. Its end is fitted over the ends of two abutting sections as 6 and 11- so that'itsvlongitudinal slot registers with the longitudinal slot between the spaced edges of the metallic casing of the rail itself. In this construction the wooden insert -13- may be raised at (54- so as to lie substantially flush with the surface of the metal casing of the rail as shown.

It will be apparent that the novel type of sheathed filler blocks embodied in the prin-V cipal elements of my top structure,v affords a number of important advantages over less completely encased filler blocks such as have been heretofore used. In vmy improved structure, all but onekside ofthe respective filler blocks arer completely encased by a continuous sheath strip and reenforced thereyso by, and this is further combined witht-he i partial closure of said odd side of the filler by inturning both longitudinal edges of said sheath strip while allowing for a. relativelyr narrowopening therebetween to give access to thev filler block for tacking purposes. A

substantially equilateral strength is thereby imparted to the reenforcedffiller elements and when thus constructed, the top structure is given a greater inherent capacity to endure' severe torsional or other weaving strains without detrimental effects.

It willrbe obvious that Ymany andvarious constructions may be utilized for connecting separate sections of my side rail and in its broader aspects. the presentinvention comprises a reenforced top structure having a main arm and an Outrigger bow supported therefrom. Between these elements is disposed, an intermediary sheathed side-rail structure, which may be either of the con- Y ventional bipartite pivotally stop-jointed type or of the sectional sleeved type such as yhas been more particularly disposed inthe drawings, and altho I have shown and described specific construct-ions, forms and ar` rangements of part-s as illustrative of perhaps y tion, I do not desire to limit myself to the details of form, construction or arrangepreferred embodiments of my inven CII ment, as various changes may loe resorted to without departing from the spirit and scope of Jthe appended claims.

I claim:

1. A top structure having a main arm secured to a vehicle body and adapted to support an Outrigger bow, an intermediary side rail structure 'comprising a plurality of substantially similar and aligned sections abutting` end to end, each such section consisting ot a` continuous but incomplete metallic tubular sheath-like member having a plurality of sides`,'one of which is provided with a tacling slot whose width is less than that of said one odd side and which slot is taccd outwardly with resp-ect to the longitudinal center of the top structure, and sleeve means for Iconnecting theiadjacent sections.l

42. A top Structure"having Ia main arm secured to a vvehicle body and adapted to support an Outrigger bow, an iiit rniediary sectional Side rail structure ot substantially rectangular profile, and sleeve means tor connecting the respective adjoining sections of the side rail structure, ach such sleeve consisting of an incomplete metallic tubular member having a longitudinal slot therethrough and Vada ted to resilient-ly embrace more than three sides of said adjoining rails.

'3, A top'structure having a main arm secured toa vehicl'e'body'and adapted to support an outrigger bow, an intermediary side rail structure coml'jrising a plurality of substantially similar sections abutting end to end, means Vfor connecting the adjacent sections, each of said sections being in the form of a continuous but incomplete metallic tubular sheath-like member` having a plurality of sides one of which is provided with a slotV whose width is less than that of said one odd side, and a woodvtiller encased within each of said sheatlis and exposed through the respective slots, saidslots being alignedY and faced outwardly with respect toA the longitudinal center oi 'tlie'5top structure.

4. A top structure having a main arm secured toa vehicle body, a sectional side rail structure secured to the main arm and extending forwardly 'therefrom Aover said body in a substantially horizontal plane; sleeve means for Vconnectiigig the adjacent sections of the side: rail structure, each of said scctions'being provided with a continuous metallic tubular sheathlil'e member oi which all but one side are fully closed while said one side is inconipletely closed the respective inturned longitudinal edges of Ysaid sheath toetorm an access slot therebetween which is outwardly faced with respect to the longitudinal center of the top structure, and a wood iiller encased wi each Yot' said sheaths and exposed through the respective slots.

" 5. A V'permanenty top structure comprising a main arm and a sectional side rail forwardly disposed therelron'i, said niain arm and the side rail sections each compi-hing separate but similar continuous metallic tnbular sheatli-like members otl substantially parallelogram cross-sectional profile ot' which three sides are closed while the i'ourtli sidethereol:` Vis incompletely closed to provide for an access opening tlierethri'iugfh which is faced outwardly relative to the longitudinal center ot the top structure, and a wood filler exposed through said opening and encased .in each ot the r-L .pective slieaths.

G. A top structure comprising a set of main arms, a sectional side rail for each oi the arms, an Outrigger adapted to brid'jf the free ends oi said sectionaA rails cach oi" the designated top elements consisting ci a separate but similar continuous metallic tubular sheatlrlilie member having a pluraliij.' of'sides, one oi which sides is provided with a relatively narrow slot for access purposes, sleeveV means connecting' the adjacent portions ot the aforesaid elemcntslogcther, and a separate wood filler exposed throa h and encased within the. respective sheath members. Y

f 7L A permanent top structurc comprising a main arm, a bracket plate secured to the upper portion of the niainarin, a sheathed side rail provided with aii access slot and having oneend portion pivotally secured to said plate, a metallic sleeve serving to rcenforce said rail slot, and a removable loci-z bolt `for. said other Vleg longitudinally spaced from the pivot and extending through said plate, said sleeve and said side rail to normally prevent pivotal movement. between said arm and said rail.

' 8. A permanent top structure comprising a plurality ol similarly ijoriiicd sections ot substaiitiallyv vrectangularf prolile aoutling end to end, each providedv with a continuous metallic tubular sheath-like member vof which all but one side are fully closed while Said onel side is inccn'ipletelyY closed by the respective inturned longitudinal edges oi. said sheath to Yform an access slot therebetween, a wood filler encased within said sectioii and exposed through the slot, and metallic sleeve means serving to connect the respective adjacent section ot the ton structure. Y

49. A permanent top structur e coiiiprieing a plurality of similarly former` sections con prising a rectangular metal sleeve linaliy of having a slot extending loiigi-tnt one side thereof, a wood iiller encased within the sleeve exposed through the slot, certain of said, sections having the wood iiiler rcduced at the ends of the section and a lic tie sleeve inserted in the reces formed in the adjacent ends. ci tvo ons.

l0. A permanent top struct-ure comprising vnl et,

Vtheslot7 certain of said sections' having the wood filler reduced at the ends of the section, a metallic tie` sleev'einserte'dl in the recesses-thus formed in the adjacent ends of two sections, and a strap extending *across thelongitudinal slot in one of sai-d sections Vand connected to theopposite spaced edges thereof to 'form a solid 'tubular portion.

y 11,1111 a top structure'comprising a main arm adapted tov support an Outrigger bow,

an intermediary composite sectional side rail forwardly disposed vwith respect to said' arm, each said. section being .formed of a continuous-elongated strip of sheet inetal bent into'tubular sheath-like shape of generally parallelogram cross sectional lprofile* with its longitudinal edges inturned over the fourth side of said profile'andspaced apart to form a continuous access slot extending along the entire length of said sectional rail and faced outwardly relative to the longitudinal center of the top structure, and a separate filler block encased within each of said incomplete sheaths and exposed through their respective slots for taclring purposes. Y

l2. In a top structure comprising aV main arm adapted to support an oiitrigger bow, an intermediaryT composite sectional side rail forwardly disposed with respect to said arm, each said section being vformed of an elongated strip of sheet metal bent into a continuous but incomplete tubular sheath-like shape having a plurality of sides one of which is provided with a relatively narrow access slot disposed intermediate the longitudinal edges defining said one side and which slot is faced outwardly relative to the longitudinal center of the top struct-ure, and a separate filler block disposed within each of said sheath sections and adapted to span the width of their respective slots for tacliing purposes.

13. In a` permanenttop structure, a horizontally extending VOutrigger and a pair of complementary composite side rails therefor, sai-d rails each comprising a filler block of substantially parallelograni'profile provided with a peripherallyincomplete metal sheath disposed to constitute an outwardly faced access slot, a separate stake pocket( attached to the inner lface of each rail sheath and offset therefrom to form a receiving socket, and a cross bow bridging said rails, the legs of saidr bow each having a shouldered filler part respectively resting upon the upper surface of the side rails with an extended portion projecting from the respective shoulders adapted to 'lit into said sockets.

dinal edges of said strip and ycomposite side rails, a bow 14. A top structure adapted to cover a vehicle body and comprisinga set of main arms7 a pair of side rails and a cross bow therefor, eachof said elements being formed Yof strips of sheet metal bent into continuous 'tubular forin of substantially the saine crosssectional profile having a plurality of sides of which all'but one side areA fully closed while said one odd side is inconipletely closed by the respectiveA intiirned longituadapted to, form access slots therebetween which are all faced outwardly relative to the longitudinal center of the ltop structure, a filler block'encased'within each of said sheaths and exposed through the slot hereof for tacking purposes, means for connecting saidV elements together, and a cover fabric mounted-upon said `assembled structure and fastened to one ormore of said respective filler blocks through their respective access slots.

l5. ln a top structure, a set of sectional'r stake pocket carriceA by each of said rails7 a vfiller encasedr cross bow mounted in said pockets, said bow comprising a continuous strip of shectvmetal bent into substantially tubular form about its wood filler, said filler being provided with a plurality of sides of which all but one are fully encased while said one odd side is partially encased by both of the respective intuiuied,longitudinal edges of saidy strip to constitute an access slot therebetween which'slot is faced outwardly relative to the longitudinal center of the top structure.

16. In a top structure, a pair of complementary composite sectional side rails each comprising a filler block and a sheath therefor having an outwardly faced access slot7 a bow-stake pocket foreach of said rails, and a cross-bow mounted in said pockets and bridging the rails, said bow comprising a continuous rsheath strip of sheet metal bent into substantially parallelograin profile having the longitudinal edges thereof inturned to partially forni therfourth side of said tube and spaced apart to forni access slot extending longitudinally of the bow, and wood fillers exposed through said bow slot for tacking purposes.

l". vIn a top structure, a pair of complementary sectional side rails each having a flat top surfaceand comprising a filler block and an incomplete sheaththerefor providing 'for an outwardly faced access slot, a bowstake pocket for each of said rails, and a cross bow mounted in said pockets and bridging the rails, said bow being provided with a filler block and a continuous strip of sheet metal of substantially parallclograrn profile adapted to sheath more than three sides of said filler with the longitudinal edges of said strip spaced apart to form an access slot for the bow, and squared ends for the legs of said boW attached to and resting upon the dat top surface of the respective side rails.

V1S. ln a top structure comprising an outrigg'er and a pair of main arnis, a set of interniediary composite rail sections adapted to support the ends of said Outrigger bow, said rails each comprising a iiller block and Ia sheath therefor havingan outwardly faced access slot, a filler encased cross bow bridging said rails, said cross boiv comprising a longitudinally continuous but peripherally incomplete metallic sheath nieniber having a plurality of sides with an access slot through one of the sides thereof, said slot being substantially narrower than the Width of said one side and adapted to expose the filler for racking purposes.

19. A non-collapsible frame structure for a vehicle top comprising` a supporting standard disposed at each side of the body, an angular or bifurcated bracket plate for each 0f said standards, said plate having one of its legs secured to its respective standard, complementary composite side rails secured respectively to the other legs of said bracket plates, said rai-ls each comprising,`

a Iiller block and a peripherally incomplete sheath therefor erovided with an access gap faced outwardly with respect to the top, a bow receiving socket for each of said standards secured to the respective bracket plates, and a rear bow bridging` said standards having the legs thereof mounted in the respective sockets.

20. A non-collapsible franxe structure for a vehicle top coniprisingv a stappo-rting` standard dispose( at each side of the body, an angular or bifurcated bracket plate for each of said standards, said plate having one of its legs .secured to its respective standard,`

oniplementary side rails secured respectively to the other legs of said bracket plates, each set of standards and rails therefor being` disposed upon the saine side of their respective plates, a bow receiving socket secured to each bracket plate on the rail side thereof, and a rear bow brit-ging` said standards having' the legs thereof mounted in the respective sockets.

ln Witness whereof l have hereunto set niy hand this 4th day of May, 1923.

CHARLES C. EDDY. 

